Los Flamingos - Estepona districts
Los Flamingos is often regarded as the northernmost area of eastern Estepona, located on the boundary between the municipalities of Estepona and Benahavís, between the Arroyo de Brijan to the west and the Arroyo del Saladillo to the east. Set within a lush, hilly landscape, the area enjoys panoramic views of the Mediterranean Sea and surrounding mountains. It is a prestigious, gated community best known for its three championship golf courses, luxury residential developments, and the iconic Anantara Villa Padierna Palace Hotel.
RESIDENTIAL
Los Flamingos is an upmarket residential community offering a diverse mix of high-end properties, with distinctive Tuscan Cypress trees lining the streets. The area is particularly renowned for its luxury detached villas, which are considered the hallmark of Los Flamingos. These homes offer refined living with private swimming pools, landscaped gardens and, in many cases, frontline or elevated views over the golf courses.
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In addition to villas, Los Flamingos features a selection of luxury apartments, penthouses and townhouses, all set within secure, gated communities. Many of these developments enjoy panoramic views across the golf fairways and the Mediterranean Sea, combining privacy with a strong sense of community.
The neighbourhood is relatively modern, with most development occurring in the 2000s following the creation of the Villa Padierna Golf Club. Development began with Flamingos Golf in 2001, followed by Alferini in 2007 and Tramores in 2010, which helped establish the area as one of the Costa del Sol’s premier golf destinations.
During the peak years of the resort’s expansion, a number of high-quality residential urbanisations were completed. These include the Four Seasons Los Flamingos (2003)—widely regarded as one of the first luxury apartment complexes on the Costa del Sol—along with Acosta Flamingos (2006), Alanda Flamingos (2006), Royal Flamingos (2006), El Lago (2007), Hoyo 19 (2008) and Mirador de Los Flamingos (2009). The developments, Tee 5 (2006) and Tee 6 (2007), benefit from particularly proximity to the golf courses and, like all the urbanisations, feature beautifully landscaped communal gardens and swimming pools.
In more recent years, development has continued in the form of custom-built villas and smaller boutique projects, with individual plots around the golf courses giving rise to bespoke homes. Notable examples include Los Flamingos Golf Villas I, II and III, completed in 2024, as well as Villa Flamingos 130, a contemporary high-end villa project that reflects the area’s ongoing appeal and evolution.
HOTEL AND RESORT
The Anantara Villa Padierna Palace Resort, formerly known as the Villa Padierna Palace Hotel, is a five-star luxury resort that sits at the heart of the Los Flamingos community. Construction began in 2003, and the resort was designed in a striking neoclassical style, featuring opulent interiors and beautifully landscaped gardens that have since made it the architectural centrepiece of the area.
The hotel was developed by Ricardo Arranz, who named the property in honour of his wife and father-in-law, both of whom had ties to Spanish royalty. From its opening, the resort quickly became a magnet for high-profile guests and international celebrities. Notably, Michelle Obama and one of her daughter's stayed at the hotel, and their residence is now famously known as Villa Obama. Find out more about their stay here>
Set amid the surrounding golf courses, the resort offers an extensive range of leisure facilities, including a Racquet Club with 11 padel courts and two tennis courts, catering to players of all levels. Guests can also enjoy the hotel’s Spa and Wellness Centre, which provides a comprehensive selection of treatments and state-of-the-art facilities designed for relaxation and wellbeing.
Adding to its unique character, the hotel houses an impressive private art collection of more than 1,200 works, including Greco-Roman sculptures and a distinguished selection of European portraits dating from the 17th, 18th, and 19th centuries. Within the grounds, a magnificent Roman-style amphitheatre serves as a central gathering space, hosting cultural events and creating a truly distinctive atmosphere within the resort. More>
GOLF RESORT
Under the umbrella of the Villa Padierna Golf Club, the resort offers three 18-hole golf courses designed to be both challenging and enjoyable for golfers of all ages and abilities. The club underwent a comprehensive refurbishment and upgrade in 2017–2018, further enhancing its reputation as one of the premier golf destinations on the Costa del Sol.
Extensive practice facilities are available, including a 17-bay driving range and a dedicated short-game practice area, both complimentary for golfers on the day of play. During each round, players can also enjoy an on-course food and beverage ensuring a relaxed and comfortable golfing experience.
Flamingos GolfThe resort’s signature course, Flamingos Golf, opened in 2001. This 18-hole, par-71 course enjoys stunning views across the Mediterranean Sea. Designed by Antonio García Garrido, a Spanish golf professional turned course designer, the course is renowned for its strategic layout, while remaining accessible to golfers of varying skill levels. Flamingos Golf has hosted several prestigious tournaments, including the European Senior Tour in 2002, 2003, and 2004, and the Ladies European Tour (LET) in 2010.
Tramores GolfAlso designed by Antonio García Garrido and opened in 2009, Tramores Golf is ideal for golfers looking to refine their short game or enjoy a more relaxed round. The course features a shorter, more forgiving layout and has no handicap restrictions, making it accessible to players of all abilities. Tramores is also home to the Villa Padierna Golf Academy, offering professional coaching and training programmes for golfers at every level.
Alferini GolfRegarded as one of the most challenging courses on the Costa del Sol, Alferini Golf is best suited to experienced and advanced players. This 18-hole, par-73 course, designed by Cristóbal Guerrero Bautista, is known for its demanding layout and technical complexity. Alferini is a firm favourite among accomplished golfers seeking a more rigorous and rewarding golfing challenge. More>
RESTAURANTS AND BARS
Within the Anantara Villa Padierna Palace, residents and visitors have access to an excellent selection of dining venues. La Loggia serves classic Mediterranean cuisine, while 99 Sushi Bar offers contemporary Japanese fusion. Viva Italia specialises in Italian dishes, and Olá Beirut brings the vibrant flavours of Lebanese cuisine to the resort.
For special occasions, the hotel’s Dining by Design provides an exclusive private dining experience in bespoke settings. More relaxed options include the Beach Club, La Pérgola, and Veranda, ideal for informal lunches or social gatherings. For cocktails and light bites in an elegant atmosphere, Eddy’s Bar is a popular choice.
In addition, the Villa Padierna Golf Club clubhouse features Hole 55 Restaurant, offering a varied menu of food and drinks with views over the golf course.
FACILITIES AND SERVICES
Los Flamingos does not have shops within the community. However, a wide range of everyday services, supermarkets and retail options can be found in nearby areas such as Bel Air and Cancelada, all within a short drive.
BUS SERVICE
There is no public bus service in Los Flamingos.
NEIGHBOURING DISTRICTS
The neighbouring district to the west (Estepona) is Cancelada.
The neighbouring district to the east (Marbella) is El Paraíso and El Pilar.
The neighbouring district to the south (beach direction) is Bel Air.
